Friday, March 25, 2016

While most of the Syracuse University community is thrilled, rightfully so, with the surprising run of the men's team to the Sweet 16, we shouldn't forget about the women.
The women's team is continuing to set new high-water marks in program history.
This year it was most wins (27 and counting) and highest tournament seed (#4) which entitled them to host the first two rounds at the Carrier Dome.
They dominated #13 Army in the first round and then dispatched #12 Albany in round 2.
Unfortunately in the Sweet 16 Syracuse will face one of the best teams in college, 1-seeded South Carolina, led by Coach Dawn Staley and 6'5" sophomore star A'Ja Wilson.
The Gamecocks beat the Orange twice last year, once in a close game at a preseason tournament in the Bahamas, and again in the NCAA Tournament's second round, this time by 29 points.
But this year the Orange are healthy (several key players missed that game last season) and improved.
I don't have high hopes for them winning this game, but one of the most exciting developments around the athletic department in recent years has been the improvement in other sports, besides just men's basketball and men's lacrosse.
The ascension of the women's basketball team has been a key part of SU's emergence as an intercollegiate athletics power.
And these young ladies deserve our support. Their game will be on ESPN tonight at 7, before the men's game.
Especially point guard Alexis Peterson who is one of the most fun players to watch.